From the time we were young bucks, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade signified the start of the Holiday Season. Whether you grew up in New York or anywhere else in the world, it feels like Macy’s kickstarts it all into gear as they march down Central Park West to 59th Street and head east to 6th Avenue and then south along 6th Avenue all the way to 34th Street and Herald Square where Macy’s Department Store is located. While it has a lot to do with marketing and the path of the parade brings you to the store, it is one of the most special events for us. So much so that we had angst that it may not take place this year as we navigate the pandemic. We’re happy that the parade is still happening but now, as New Yorkers, we must experience it the same way that the rest of the world does – on TV.
As hard of a pill that will be to swallow, we’re happy that the celebration is still happening. Tradition seems more important than ever in this tough year. The 94th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will air from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 26 on NBC. Unfortunately, there will not be massive crowds on the streets of our city. Typically, there are about 3½ million in-person spectators along the 2½-mile parade route— this year all activity will be focused on the Herald Square area of Midtown, which is the usual end of parade route or what most people see on TV.
This year, we all get to watch country icon Dolly Parton, soul legend Patti LaBelle, “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks and “Hamilton” Tony winner Leslie Odom Jr. are among the event’s scheduled performers. In addition, dancers from the New York City Ballet and the casts of Broadway shows “Hamilton,” “Jagged Little Pill,” “Ain’t Too Proud” and “Mean Girls” will perform, marking a return to the spotlight following Broadway going dark.
Macy’s knows how to put on a show so while we can’t watch the balloons being inflated the night before or sip our hot cocoa watch the parade march by, the tradition lives on and we will certainly be watching!
For more information, please visit: https://www.macys.com/social/parade/